Get active to make the National Disability Insurance Scheme happen for ALL people with MND

As part of MND Week each year MND Australia and the state associations undertake a national Call to Action to address issues that impact on people living with MND in Australia. Last year the MND community joined other Australians affected by disabilities to tell parliamentarians that we need a National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). Thanks to people power, parliamentarians listened and the NDIS is now a reality.  People in some regions will start benefiting from the scheme as early as July 2013.

This year we’re turning our attention to the 50% of people with MND who are diagnosed when they are over the pension age of 65. We are hoping that the NDIS will complement the aged care system to ensure a cohesive system that gives people with disability, older people, their families and carers the full range of supports they need when they need them.

Help us tell parliamentarians that the NDIS should be for ALL people with disabilities!

You and your family know that living with MND is hard and that getting the support you need, or simply access to services to help you out, is difficult. The NDIS will transform the way services are funded and delivered, ensuring people are entitled to support, and giving them greater choice and control. But not all people.  The NDIS needs a safety net model that provides for top-up funding for people who acquire a disability when over 65 to address needs not met by aged care.

Our key message:

The NDIS needs to give all 1500 people living with MND more control, choice and access to disability support services - no matter how old they are.

How you can help make the NDIS happen for all Australians:

• Get active by telling your community, media and governments that we need a fair NDIS – don’t forget to use your online social networking groups!
• Get involved by using our letter template to write to (or email) your government representatives and/or visit them. Send or email your letter to your senator, federal and state MPs; the health, family services and disability ministers; and the Prime Minister. Contact details for senators and members. Please send a copy of your letter to your state MND association so we know that you’re supporting our cause.
• Tell your story about living with MND by registering with your state MND association your interest in being a spokesperson – call 1800 777 175 or email iwanttotellmystory@mnd.asn.au       

If you need advice about where, or to whom, you should direct your particular concerns; or if you need assistance, please contact your state MND association.